Ant McPartlin takes savage swipe at Stephen Mulhern during final ITV Saturday Night Takeaway

Stephen Mulhern made an appearance on the Saturday Night Takeaway finale for the 'Ant vs Dec' segment that sees Ant McPartlin compete against his pal Dec Donnelly

Ant McPartlin had a teasing remark for Stephen Mulhern on the 'final' episode of Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend ahead of competing against his pal Dec Donnelly.

The latest series of the ITV variety show came to a close on Saturday night. It has been billed as the "last ever" episode, at least for now, with Ant, 48, fronting the "live extravaganza" with his long-time presenting partner Dec, also 48.

The final 'Ant vs. Dec' saw the two presenters compete in a penalty shoot-out against each other. It decided who was named the "ultimate champion" of the recurring segment, which was introduced during the fifth series back in 2005.

The latest contest was launched by their colleague Stephen, 47, who entered the studio dressed as a gold trophy that had been adorned with various medals and accolades. He teased at one point that he was the prize for the winner and Ant then quipped in response to Stephen: "No thanks."

After competing in the latest challenge, Dec was declared the winner after scoring three goals. Ant had scored one and only had another chance left, meaning he could at best have scored two goals, compared to his pal's three goals.

The segment was watched by audience members outside the studio in London as well as by celebrity guests including Scarlett Moffatt and Ashley Roberts. Stephen was also present and he gave out some prizes following the challenge, which was just one of the segments in the finale on Saturday.

When Dec was announced as the winner, he was given a trophy that was said to have featured Stephen's face on the front as well as a crown. Ant, who briefly tried on the crown himself, was instead awarded some toilet roll for his efforts.

Saturday Night Takeaway began in 2002 and has reached its 20th series this year. Ant and Dec previously revealed that they would be taking a break from the show moving forward though, with the latest episode the series finale.

Speaking about the finale ahead of the episode this week, Ant said in a comment shared by ITV: "I can't quite believe it will be the last show, we've thoroughly enjoyed making this final series. I know it'll be an emotional night but we intend to give Takeaway viewers a party to end all parties!"

Whilst co-star Dec commented about the end of the series: "It's been mixed emotions all week as we've been planning and rehearsing this final show. Saturday Night Takeaway is very special to us. We've made this two hour finale show a real celebration of all things SNT from over the years."

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